Well, perhaps races like Dark Elves and Chaos fit the American mentality better...
I think the reason why many people play High Elves is that elves are probably the most delicate and appealing fantasy race. The "main" fantasy races I would regard as Elves, Dwarves and Orcs, which exist in every fantasy RPG Ive played so far. Maybe its just me, but when comparing an Elf, a Dwarf and an Orc, the Elf just somehow seems superior. Not in ways of combat strength, but in ways of knowledge of the world, agility and reflexes and mysteriosity.
I assume many people are attracted by the Elven way of Life.
What do I care about the Vietnam War? I’ve got difficulties getting an orgasm and I want everybody to know!
(Communard Dieter Kunzelmann, 1968, with his attempt to shift a privat and taboo subject into public attention)